New Speaker Mark Shelton 0:27

LIBERAL MP for Lyons Mark Shelton has been elected the 39th speaker of the Tasmanian House of Assembly.

Mr Shelton, the State Government’s nominee for the position, was elected by a vote of the House this morning.

He was bodily escorted to the Speaker’s chair by former Speaker, Justice Minister Elise Archer and Premier Will Hodgman, in the long-running tradition of feigned reluctance of the new Speaker under the Westminster system.

In the early days of the British Parliament, several Speakers were beheaded after displeasing the King. Indeed, between 1399 and 1535 no fewer than seven Speakers were beheaded, so nominees were once dragged to the chair.

Mr Shelton said he was honoured to be elected to the position and promised to carry out his role with dignity and impartiality.

New Speaker of the House Mark Shelton is taken to the seat by outgoing speaker Elise Archer and Premier Will Hodgman. Picture: RICHARD JUPESource:News Limited

“I am humbled and honoured to have been sworn in as the 39th Speaker of the House of Assembly at Government House today,” he said.

“I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Tasmania in my new role for the remainder of this session of Parliament.”

The ceremony was watched by former Minister for State Growth Matt Groom, smiling broadly from his new spot on the backbench between MPs Adam Brooks and Nic Street.

Ms Archer was elevated to the ministry after the resignation of Mr Groom from the ministry and the resignation of Legislative Councillor Vanessa Goodwin, taking over the roles of Minister for Justice, Corrections, Environment, Parks and the Arts.

Mr Hodgman took over responsibilities as Attorney-General, while Treasurer Peter Gutwein added the State Growth portfolio to his current responsibilities.

Guy Barnett has been appointed Energy Minister in addition to retaining his roles as Minister for Building and Construction and Minister for Resources.

A by-election will be held in Ms Goodwin’s vacant seat of Pembroke on November 4.